Perhaps the world of soles and their different categorizations is one of the most complex elements of sneakers. And, therefore, one of the characteristics that we pay least attention to when choosing our new sneakers. Here you have a quick lesson so you can understand the essentials and choose wisely.
Vulcanized vs. Cupsole vs. Waffle
This probably sounds like an old debate to skaters. The differences between vulcanized and cupsole sneakers do not point to any clear winner. Between pros and cons, both options are a good idea for the board, although it all depends on the use you want to give it and the specific functionality you are looking for.
Vulcanized Sole
The vulcanized sole shoes provide a better feeling on the skateboard and allow you to feel more intensely each trick, with total flexibility. They come closer to the feeling of being barefoot, but without all the discomfort that this entails. In addition, they are usually cheaper, as the manufacturing process allows for mass production. Their main disadvantage is that they break much more easily than cupsoles.
One piece of advice: if you are looking for good shoes with vulcanized soles, look at the insole, as it will be the main element that best determines the wellbeing of your feet and its quality. The reason is that materials that normally serve as cushioning, such as EVA or TPR, are not compatible with the vulcanized sole due to their low heat resistance. Some models with vulcanized soles are adidas Vulc, Nike SB Janoski, Vans Old Skool or Vans SK8 Hi. If you are a fan of How Do They Do It, here is a video explaining it.
Cupsole
The cupsole shoes can boast of having been designed specifically for skateboarding. They feel great comfort, like soft, cushioned pillows that can absorb impacts. In fact, they were created to protect the feet of skateboarders, who would leave the track covered in bumps and bruises. The cupsole offers better support, protection and resistance. However, they are more expensive and the feeling of being on the board is lower.
Unlike vulcanized shoes, cupsole or cemented sole shoes use EVA or TPR as cushioning inside a rubber container in a non-baking process. The volume is higher, and they are sewn directly to the upper. In short, if you like to do tricks, jumps and stunts, the cupsole is for you.
Waffle
Waffle technology is sort of a hybrid between the two. In 1971, Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman began experimenting with waffle ironing to design a new sole for running shoes. His goal was to bring together grip and lightness. From this innovation was born the so-called Waffle sole, one of the most important advances in Nike’s history that also appears as a sign of identity of other brands such as Vans. You will surely think of icons like the Nike Air Tailwind 79 or the Vans Slip On.
Omni Sole vs. Clay / Herringbone Sole vs. Mixed
In this field, the experts are the racket fans. Here the decision is basically determined by the type of terrain (clay, cement, grass, court…) and the circumstances (wet, muddy, dry…) you will be facing.
Herringbone Sole
The herringbone or clay sole works perfectly on both dust tennis courts and paddle courts. A merit that has made fans of these sports fall in love. The herringbone sole offers the best and greatest grip, so you can avoid injuries caused by slips. It also lasts longer, as it resists wear and tear very well, a quality that also helps to take care of your pocket. They are a good option for, for example, surfaces with a lot of salt. A example for lifestyle: the Nike Cortez.
Omni Sole
The omni-soled shoes are also perfectly suited to a variety of terrains. But they allow you to slide more on the track than a herringbone sole, something you’ll have to consider. More sliding doesn’t have to be a bad thing at all: sometimes a great grip prevents you from getting the flow moves you’re looking for. The biggest problem with omni is that they last much less, so if you subject them to a lot of wear and tear you’ll probably have to renew them sooner.
Mixed Sole
The midsole or mixed sole combines the two previous types of sole, the omni and the herringbone. So if you’re not sure, these are a good option. In the toe area and in the back area they have a herringbone pattern, while the omni pattern is usually in the middle area. This prevents your footwear from burning too quickly.
Rubber sole vs. EVA sole
Actually, in terms of materials, the division is much more extensive. But in the sneaker category, these sole types are the great queens.
Rubber Sole
Rubber is an extremely versatile material. They are flexible and lightweight soles, very adaptable to your foot and easy to fit. In addition, it is a sole resistant to inclement weather, so it is a good option if you are going to face rainy conditions or snowy weather. The rubber soles have been extended in different versions, even creating fireproof rubber soles. The adidas Superstar is one of the most iconic models with rubber soles.
EVA Sole
The best thing about EVA rubber soles is their lightness. With an extremely light weight, it is a perfect material if you are looking for a shoe that will help you reach your maximum speed. They are high resistance soles, ideal for sports like running or for chunky style silhouettes that, due to their volume, most materials would cause too much weight for your feet. EVA rubber soles are resistant to water, cold and corrosion from agents such as oil, grease or saltpetre, in addition to some chemical components.
Vibram Sole
Shoes with Vibram soles are non-slip and have maximum traction. They are soles of Italian origin that are named in honor of its founder Vitale Bramani. Curiously, they were developed because of an accident in 1935 in which six mountaineering friends of Bramani died for not wearing the right soles. So the Italian worker did something.
Vibram soles are able to reduce the feeling of tiredness and avoid friction. Their incredible adherent properties stand out, a quality that unquestionably makes the difference in certain critical situations. That is why we find Vibram soles in hiking shoes, hiker boots, running shoes, cat feet and slides and sandals. They guarantee grip on the ground, are resistant and durable, remain in perfect condition and are very easy to clean. One piece of advice if you choose a Vibram sole: never wait for it to be fully burnt out. If you are going to use it for outdoor sports, change it before the sole is completely worn out, as it is dangerous to expose yourself to the loss of full traction. Vibram soles are found on some New Balance models, such as the New Balance MTL575 UT.
